Happy birthday to our beloved, bright, and  beautiful granddaughter! This is a day of joy and hope as we celebrate our granddaughter’s birthday.

Our circumstances are not fully joyful, because her Poppa  is ill. Yet it is possible to have joy touched with sadness (caused by a stroke more than eleven months ago).

Poppa and I remember her birth with great joy. We have been blessed to share 13 years of joy from many precious times together with her. We are thankful for joy and hope that come from being her grandparents.

Today I am led to ponder that Jesus felt joy even as He endured the cross, a circumstance far more excruciating than anything we have ever experienced.

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Weeping and sadness have come to us throughout this life, but we trust that joy comes in the morning! It gives us hope that joy is eternal while weeping and sadness will end someday.

“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

Our joy will be complete only by having the same mind, same love, and united in spirit as Christ according to Scripture. Dear Lord, we thank You for the truth of Your Word!

“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” (Philippians 2:1-2)